[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24425-24426]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. WILLIAM JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Mr. 
William Johnson of St. Joseph, Michigan. An accomplished businessman 
and community leader, Bill Johnson is retiring from the board of 
directors of Lakeland Health Care after more than 33 years of service.
  During that time he has led Lakeland through a period of phenomenal 
growth, with the construction of new facilities, the addition of state-
of-the-art equipment, and many awards for quality health care. 
Beginning back in 1975, Bill Johnson has used his leadership and team 
building skills to implement hospital mergers, build model care 
programs, and develop world-class community health initiatives. Since 
1993, Bill Johnson has served as the chairman of the Lakeland Health 
Care Board, and he leaves a legacy that will shape health care in 
southwest Michigan for years to come.
  Bill Johnson was born in Lincoln, Illinois, and graduated from the 
University of Illinois. He served his country as a first lieutenant and 
company commander in the United States Army.
  Following that service to his country, he became an innovative and 
respected business leader. He was president of Heath Company, vice 
president of strategic alliances for Zenith Data Systems, and even 
after his retirement, he came back as chief operating officer for Gast 
Manufacturing Corporation.

[[Page 24426]]

  He brought his business experience and entrepreneurial flair to 
Lakeland Health Care and to a number of other community organizations. 
And while Bill Johnson formally steps down as the chairman of the 
board, we all know he will continue to be involved in the community he 
loves. He and his wife Patt and family are true cornerstones of our 
corner of Michigan.

                          ____________________